What Does the STBD Mean for Me?

Voters approved a measure in the November 2014 election that will expand Metro service in Seattle in 2015. The additional service is paid for with a $60 vehicle license fee and 0.1% increase in the sales tax.

The proposed improvements will focus on reducing overcrowding, increasing frequency and increasing reliability. Click on the maps to get a visual overview of the impacts:

Reduced Bus Overcrowding

Increased Bus Frequency

Increased Bus Reliability

About the STBD

On September 20, 2010, the Seattle City Council passed Ordinance 123397, creating a Transportation Benefit District in the City of Seattle, known as the Seattle Transportation Benefit District ("STBD"). The STBD Governing Board is comprised of all Seattle City Councilmembers. Upon establishing the STBD, a $20 annual vehicle license fee was implemented and enacted in May 2011.

On July 17, 2014, the STBD voted 8-0 to place a measure on the November 2014 General Election ballot that would raise revenue to preserve King County Metro Transit service. More information on this proposal can be found here.

FAQs

What is the Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD)?

In 1987, the State Legislature created Transportation Benefit Districts (TBDs) as an option for local governments to fund transportation improvements. Chapter 36.73 of the Revised Code of Washington provides for the establishment of TBD by cities and counties to levy and impose various taxes and fees to generate revenues to support transportation improvements within the district. A TBD is a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing district created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district.In 2005 and 2007, the Legislature amended the TBD statute to expand its uses and revenue authority, including the ability to authorize a $20 annual vehicle license fee (VLF), and up to an additional $80 of VLF, if approved by voters within the district.The state legislature provided local governments with these tools because inflation has eroded the local share of gas tax and a series of statewide ballot initiatives passed over the last 12 years have eliminated other traditional sources of funding for local transportation needs.